A Christmas Story — Nominee for Best Musical

Opened:
November 19, 2012

Closed:
December 30, 2012

Authors:
Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul; book by Joseph Robinette

The Story:
The musical charts the pre-Christmas adventures of nine-year-old daydreamer Ralphie Parker as he embarks on a desperate quest to ensure that his perfect gift—an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB gun—ends up under his tree on Christmas morning.

Based On:
A Christmas Story is based on the classic 1983 holiday movie, narrated by and based on the stories of raconteur Jean Shepherd. The musical adaptation includes all of the movie’s best-loved moments including the bunny suit, the Santa slide and the Old Man’s leg-shaped lamp.

Show History:
An early draft of the musical with a book by Joseph Robinette premiered at Kansas City Repertory Theatre in Thanksgiving 2009. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul wrote a new score for the show’s premiere at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in the winter of 2010. In 2011, A Christmas Story launched a five-city national tour; a revised production hit Broadway in November 2012.

Producers:
Gerald Goehring, Roy Miller, Michael F. Mitri, Pat Flicker Addiss, Peter Billingsley, Timothy Laczynski, Mariano Tolentino Jr., Louise H. Beard, Michael Filerman, Scott Hart, Alison Eckert, Bob Bartner, Michael Jenkins, Angela Milonas and Bradford W. Smith; Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc. and Dalfie Entertainment, Inc.; Associate Producer: Vincent G. Palumbo, Dancap Productions, Inc., Jeffrey Jackson and Ric Zivic

Other Honors:
—Broadway.com Audience Choice Award nomination for Favorite New Musical
—Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Musical
—Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding New Broadway Musical

Fun Fact:
More than 500 children auditioned for the leading role of Ralphie, which went to Johnny Rabe—who appeared in the touring company ensemble but was initially deemed too young for the role.